Nuru Maloba Okanga, a political activist, faced charges in a Nairobi court on Wednesday for allegedly disseminating false, defamatory, and threatening information on social media platforms.
The accusations centered on content published via his TikTok account “Riba News @ribanews & Siasa tv ke backup” and his YouTube channel “RIBA NEWS aribanews.”
Okanga was charged with knowingly publishing false and provocative material designed to incite fear and damage the reputation of Kenya’s executive leadership.
Specific allegations include posts suggesting violence against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and statements intended to alarm citizens, including “PILOT WA RUTO ADUNGWE SHINDANI,” which translates to “Ruto’s pilot should be in chains.”
Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi, Okanga denied all charges.
His lawyer, Shadrack Wambui, described him as a Form 1 student dependent on the generosity of well-wishers, highlighting his difficult personal circumstances, including his wife’s illness and his child’s severe kidney condition.
Wambui argued that the charges were fabricated to prevent Okanga, a frequent protester, from participating in recent demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Despite being in custody since his arrest on June 11, Okanga was granted release on a cash bail of Sh100,000 or a bond of Sh200,000.
The case is set for mention on July 3 for pretrial.
